A/N: There is a small amendment to the previous chapter, where Sirius swears in to the Wizengamot. I realised just after I posted that Albus Dumbledore had been removed from the Chief Warlock position, so I have adjusted for that. Feel free to re-read that if you like, or not, it won't affect the plot in any way at all.
: Thanks for all the reviews, I appreciate every one. They give me focus and inspiration and even help to clarify all the ideas I have floating around in the very strange device that is my brain. Thank you.
The first inkling Harry had that something was wrong was the smug look on Umbridge's face as they walked in that morning. So, he approached the table with caution. The second was the odd smell that was emanating from the tea.
"Perce, does this smell funny to you?" he held his cup out.
Percival shook his head, "I can't smell a thing."
"Here Harry give it to me," Neville held out his hands to take the cup. He inhaled, "Aren't you allergic to Elderberries?"
"Ah huh," Harry agreed.
"Well don't drink that then, it's Elderberry tea."
"Eww," Harry pushed the teapot away. "Oi! Angelina," he called up the table. "Do you have normal tea up there?"
"Yeah, Harry," she looked at him at little oddly as he scurried over and stole the whole teapot, when there was one already clearly sitting in front of his place at the table.
He offered his fresh cup to Neville to check again, when it was declared normal black tea, he drank deeply. "Ah, now the day can begin."
After draining his cup down, Harry looked around at the people gathered in the hall. While he didn't see Umbridge's scowl, he did catch the devastated expression on Hagrid's face. Apparently Umbridge had not waited the ten days before giving Hagrid notice of his probationary status, she had announced it loudly as he entered the Great Hall for Breakfast. As more students arrived the news spread around the room like fiendfyre. Harry made a note to visit Hagrid soon, the large man was quite obviously upset, perhaps he would accept some coaching in suitable topics for class. Not that it would help what with Umbridge's already known prejudice to half-breeds.
A flutter of wings overhead signalled the arrival of the mail, and Harry copped a dollop of bird poo on the shoulder of his robe.
"Argh! Ruddy birds!"
As he wandlessly banished the mess, he was grateful it hadn't landed in his second cup of tea. With the mail came a school owl carrying a note from the Headmaster. Harry wondered what he had done to garner the man's attention when he had been so obviously ignoring Harry the entire year.
Dear Harry.
I require your attendance at your earliest convenience.
These days I find myself craving Jelly Babies.
Sincerely
Albus Dumbledore
Harry showed the note to Percival.
"Do not go alone Harry," he urged.
"But you have Runes when I have a free period. Who can I ask?"
"McGonagall as your Head of House, or if she refuses then Flitwick. If neither are available, then we can mirror call Sirius and see if he or Aunt Sera are available. If they can not then I will skip my lesson and come under your Cloak."
"He can see through the Cloak though, he did in my first year."
"That was just an ordinary cloak though, not the real one. It is still worth the risk."
Harry nodded and noticing that Professor McGonagall was seated at the teacher's table. Deciding that there was not time like the present, he pushed aside his uneaten meal and made his way to the High table.
"Excuse me, Professor McGonagall," he called her attention away from her food. "The Headmaster has requested I meet with him, and I was wondering, you would come with me, please?"
"I hardly think that is necessary Potter," she looked at him sternly. Really she had so much to do, there was still that pile of paper work Albus had left for her, not to mention this years group of seventh years were particularly rambunctious, there was no way she could leave them alone for a second or who knows what they would get up to. She knew that Albus had not treated the boy right, but he hadn't done it deliberately so surely there was no need for Potter to be making such a request.
Though he wondered how much of a support she would be to him against the Headmaster, Harry continued trying to persuade her, "But Professor, he has no reason to contact me regarding my schoolwork. I am up to date on all my work and my grades have improved this year. Besides it's in the school charter that a student who has been called to the Headmaster's office is to have their Head of House in attendance for propriety's sake."
"Very well," she sounded displeased at the imposition. "When does he wish to see you?"
"His note said at my earliest convenience, so I guess that would be during my first break today. Which is the lesson before lunch."
"Hmm, I will be in class with the Seventh years at that time, my only free spot today is immediately after lunch."
"Oh, I have Charms then. I guess, I'll have to ask someone else. Thank you anyway," Harry sighed and looked around. It was not really a big surprise, she had never listened to him before. Besides as the deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor and Transfiguration teacher she was doing three full time jobs so it was no wonder she never had any time. He moved up the table to where Snape and Flitwick were conversing. "Excuse me Professors, I was wondering if either of you would be free, to come with me to see the Headmaster, just before lunch. Professor McGonagall is unavailable."
The two teachers looked at each other.
"I do have the sixth years then, but I could set them an assignment," Flitwick mused. "They're a fairly independent bunch."
"I am free," Snape said. "Do you know why he wishes to see you?"
"No, Sir. My work is up to date, and I haven't done anything wrong that I am aware of."
"Very well, meet me promptly at the bottom of the Headmaster's staircase after your last lesson. Do not be late."
"Thank you, Professor," Harry gave a small smile as he turned away.
Once Harry had moved out of earshot, Filius Flitwick voiced something he had been thinking more on since the start of the year.
"You know I find that as time goes by, he reminds me more and more of his mother," Flitwick mused, with a sideways glance at the Potions Master.
"Hmm, indeed. I find that his work this year has improved greatly so that it is merely poor instead of abysmal. Perhaps given enough time he will match her brilliance."
"Why Severus," Flitwick, grinned. "I do believe that was very nearly a compliment."
"Don't tell the boy. His head is already big enough as it is."
"Did your Gran write back?" Ron asked Neville as they noticed that Harry was making his way back from the teacher's table.
"Mmm, she's going to talk to the Minister about it," Neville picking up his fork.
"It didn't stop that cow from placing Hagrid on probation," Dean commented.
"Was never goin' to," Ron said as he swallowed a mouthful of toast, "One," he held extended the index finger of his hand that was holding his knife, "by the time that she got the message it would have been too late anyway, and two," he raised his middle finger, "the only complaint she can bring forward that will be listened to by the Minister is about the treatment of Neville. He'll ignore any other complaints about Umbridge herself as being childish bias. The best we can hope for is that Neville will miss out on whatever the horrible detentions she's got planned are."
"That's not fair," Dean grumbled. "I know Hagrid's lessons aren't…..like some of the other teacher's, but it's Hagrid. Harry had it right in second year. It's not Hogwarts without Hagrid."
"No, but it's the best we can hope for, and it's a start. We want to find as many complaints against her as we can. The more complaints, the better and from as many different students as possible. The more complaints the greater the chance that the Fudge will decide that having her here is more trouble than she's worth. Small steps until we reach our goal."
"How did it go?" Percival asked as Harry approached the table again.
"Alright. Snape is going to come with me." He bent to snag a piece of bread, but the food disappeared as he reached out his hand and Harry whined.
"Not McGonagall?"
Harry lifted a shoulder, and Percival raised his hand, but the smaller boy twisted out of the way, "Nah. She has seventh years during my only break today. Do I have time to run to the kitchen do you think?"
Percival checked, "Sorry Harry. Come on let's get to class. We'll see if we can get Dobby to meet us with a snack somewhere this morning."
Lessons passed quickly and it wasn't long before Harry was standing facing the Gargoyle at the bottom of the stairs to the Headmaster's Tower. Surprisingly he had arrived before Snape. Leaning his back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest and one foot resting on top of the other, Harry closed his eyes searching for that infinite feeling of freedom, the wind rushing through his hair.
"If you are quite done, Mr Potter," the droll voice disturbed his contemplation and before he opened his eyes, Harry knew that he would be facing the elegantly raised brow with just the one crinkle beside the eye, that signified the potion master's amusement.
"Yes Sir," pushing himself away from the wall he shook himself from head to toe. Then straightening, he turned to the gargoyle, "Jelly Babies."
"Allow me," Snape said as they faced the door into the Headmaster's office. With a brisk knock it opened, and he led Harry into the room. "I believe that you wished to see Mr Potter, Headmaster."
Dumbledore glanced up from the parchment he was writing. He pursed his lips in discontent, "Thank you Severus, you may go." He dismissed his Potion Master as he tapped the quill against the ink pot and then placed it down on a metal tray so that any drips would not spoil his work.
"I requested Professor Snape's attendance, Headmaster," the boy said.
What was the problem with the dratted boy now? Where was the boy who was so grateful to his Headmaster that he would accept what he was told without question? It would seem that Albus would have to think more carefully about the words he used now, if he wanted to be sure of the result. Still, Harry had bought Severus, which could just play in his favour. The thought was pushed away and instead the words, "Come now, my boy, your professor has many more important things to do than attending a boring meeting between us, don't you think?" were uttered.
"With all due respect, Sir."
Albus Dumbledore suppressed the urge to growl at the words. There was nothing respectful about that statement!
"I have been advised not to attend any meeting with you without my Guardian or Head of House present."
"Really, Harry!" He had put off dealing with that issue for too long! "I am your Guardian as you well know. So, seeing as I am present, Severus you may go," he chuckled benignly as if he had told some hilariously funny joke.
"Sir as Mr Samual McMillan told you that day at Ministry. You are not now, nor have you ever been my Guardian, Magical or otherwise."
"Oh, Harry, Harry, Harry. You are so young, so naive, so easily deceived. I'm am more sorry then I can say that you were taken advantage of by such a man." Dumbledore tutted, disappointedly. "Come now, you must realise that he was using you. He just wanted to get more fame for himself by saying that he represented you at trial." Here he dropped his voice to a pseudo-whisper, "When you and I both know that wasn't the case. He has been using your name to drum up more business for himself. No more of this pretending. Now off you go Severus," he finished in a firm loud voice.
Harry knew it was a lie of course, designed to make him furious, but he had spoken to McMillan several times and was comfortable that the man was not using him or his name in any way at all. Feeling like a broken record he said, "Sir, regardless of anything else the Charter says that when the Headmaster is meeting with a student, the student's Head of House must be in attendance. I the Head of House is unavailable then another teacher or other adult such as the Matron must be present."
"I hate to point out Sir, that at least three members of staff apart from myself are aware of this meeting. And as Potter so succinctly summarised you are required to have a witness present when meeting with any of the students. Given the current," he paused for affect, "political climate, it might be wise for me to remain as an observer. It wouldn't do for the Ministry to be able to make allegations of inappropriate behaviour."
Yes, perhaps it would be advisable, Delores would surely take great delight in making such an accusation. Albus let out a put-upon sigh, "Very well," he said before he turned to gaze upon the boy. "The news that I wish to give you is of a personal nature, such that I thought it best to advise you in privacy. Do not be upset with me when you find that you wanted to deal with the results of this meeting in private after all. You have been warned," he said sternly.
"Understood, Sir," Harry replied, gazing at the edge of the Headmasters's desk.
"Very well. It was bought to my attention a little over a week ago that Remus Lupin had apparently disappeared. No one knew where he was going or why he left."
Harry frowned, Sirius had said that Remus was off talking to the Werewolf packs for the Order. Had he been wrong, could Harry have misunderstood?
"In the small amount of free time I have had. I have ventured out looking for him. Knowing that you would greatly miss him should something untoward have happened." Dumbledore looked at his desk and shook his head sadly. "I am afraid…." his voice caught, then he gave a sniff. "I am afraid Harry…."
Harry looked up and was shocked to see that there was water welling in the corner of those cerulean blue eyes, not a twinkle to be seen.
"…..I am very much saddened to be the one to inform you that ….that Remus Lupin has died. It seems that he had been wandering in the countryside and he arrived at a farm late at night. To late I assume to ask permission to stay so he made his way into the shelter of the barn. Unfortunately, there had been a spate of robberies in the area. On waking early and discovering an unknown person in his barn, the farmer assumed that it was the thief, and killed him. It wasn't until afterwards that he realised that Remus was a simple traveller who had meant no harm."
"Remus!" Harry gasped, going pale, a tremble nearly dropping him to his knees. They had not even had the chance to see each other after reaching an understanding. He had hoped that they would spend Christmas getting to know each other but, Remus hadn't returned.
Severus agonisingly stifled the urge to reach out and put his arms around the boy. Merlin, sometimes he hated being a spy. It was another blow that the boy just didn't need. How much could one child withstand, and Sirius, had the old man even told him? He would be heartbroken! He made sure his face was blank, before he spoke.
"I do believe I should escort Mr Potter to his dormitory. It appears he will not be up to attending classes today."
"I am sorry my boy," the Headmaster said softly to the bereft child in front of him
A sobbed escaped Harry's lips, as he turned away from the Headmaster, determined that the man would not see his tears. With stilted steps he made his way out of the room. The Headmaster looked on outwardly sad but, inwardly chortling at how well it had turned out.
"Do not let this news temper your treatment of him Severus," Dumbledore warned sternly as Snape turned to follow the boy.
"Really Headmaster, when have I ever changed the way I treat a Potter?" Snape intoned, quirking one-side of his lips as if he were amused. Blast the man!
The corridor immediately outside the Headmaster's office was practically lined with portraits and Snape did not dare to place a hand of comfort onto the boy. Two corridors later, he felt safe enough to lean close and whisper, "To the Chamber."
Without acknowledgement, Harry straightened slightly and then sidestepped into a hidden tunnel that emerged a short way from the bathroom on the second floor. Harry pulled the Cloak from his bag, while Snape disillusioned himself, stating "The portraits may notice someone going past, but they will naturally assume it is a student."
A minute later they had crossed the space and were ensconced in the bathroom, fortunately Myrtle was not in residence. A quick hiss to reveal the staircase and they were descending the steps into darkness.
Worryingly, Harry was silent as they walked back into the chamber he did not blink as the sconces lit as they walked through the main hall, he just passed straight through the mouth and into the study beyond, pulling out the chair to sit with his head resting on his arms on the desk. Severus conjured a chair to sit beside him and hesitantly placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. It seemed that little bit of human contact was the trigger, and the boy broke.
"Dobby," Snape said, slightly uncomfortable in the face of such fierce emotion. The little elf began pulling his ears the moment he appeared.
"Master Harry," he said, letting go of his ears and grabbing the bottom of his shirt. "He needs his Percie!"
"Indeed," Snape agreed. "If you could…" but the elf was already gone.
A surprised Percival appeared, a moment later, with a sandwich in one hand, having been removed directly from the Great Hall. It took him only a second to assess the situation.
"What did that...Punk do?"
"He's dead!" Harry whispered into his arm.
"Who," Percival dropped to his knees on the other side of Harry.
"Remus," Harry raised his face. It was a heartbreaking sight, all swollen eyes, redness and tears. "He's dead."
Percival stared at him intently, reaching out to rub his arm, "Just when you thought you had gotten through to him."
"I thought…when we spoke last, he seemed to get it. He seemed to want to…..I wanted him to take me to Gringotts so we could go through the things he took from my parent's house and he could tell me why he had taken them. I thought he could be the Uncle my parents wanted him to be and now he's gone!"
"Tell me," he said, passing Harry a handkerchief to clean his face.
"Dumbledore said that Remus, was wandering for some reason and came upon a farm too late to ask for a bed for the night, so he slept in the barn. Unfortunately, there had been robberies in the area. The next morning the farmer thinking he was the thief, killed him. I didn't ask how, or what was being done with his body!"
A frown pulled at his boyfriend's face, "But…didn't you say that Sirius had told you that he was away on business for the Order?"
"Yes," Harry sniffled.
"So why would he be wandering in the countryside?"
"In fact, the Headmaster said, he didn't know what Remus was doing," Severus added.
"Your godfather would not lie to you about it," Snape said surely. "So why would the Headmaster lie?"
"Something doesn't seem right," Percival mused. "Dobby, can you bring Harry's mirror?"
With a tinkle the mirror rattled onto the desk. Harry picked it up instantly saying desperately, "Sirius!"
It took another two calls before the call was answered.
"Harry!" Sirius grinned. "Woah, why the face?" His mood did an immediate one-hundred-and-eighty-degree twist.
"H…ha…have…you…" tears started flowing down Harry's cheeks again.
Percival gently relieved Harry of the mirror, "Have you heard from Lupin?"
"No. I raised the issue with the Headmaster at the Order meeting last week. He denied knowing where Remus was or why he had gone. He also declined to look for him. I was planning on heading out this week, if I hadn't heard from him by tomorrow."
The mirror was passed to Snape, "Se…Snape, you're with the boys?"
"Yes. We are down in the Chamber. Harry got called to Dumbledore's office this morning. Albus told him that Remus had been killed in an accident," he said succinctly.
"No!" Sirius went pale.
"Something does not feel right," Percvial reiterated.
"You think he is lying?" Snape postulated.
"I am not sure, but I think it is a definite possibility. We know he was already lying about not knowing what Lupin was up to. Could he not also be lying about Lupin's death?"
"But what would he get out of it?" Harry asked, his interest peaked.
"I thought the same thing in the Order meeting. To be honest Harry, I think it is you. He encouraged me to go looking for Remus. If Remus and I were both to disappear, he still believes that he would be your guardian again. Not realising of course that it is still Seraphina and that I haven't applied for it yet. Then on the other hand if you are upset and believe that I knew and kept the information from you that might make you push me away."
"Can't have his little weapon, being out of his control," Harry said bitterly. "So, what do we do about Remus?"
"I will wait until tomorrow and then head out, if I still haven't heard anything. I know of the approximately location of two of the packs, or tribes that he was planning to head to. I'll go and talk to them and see if they know anything else. In the meantime, Harry, you need to act suitably upset, but I would keep our doubts close to your chest."
Harry nodded, "I can do that."
"Severus, please look after them. I have no doubt that Dumbledore has plans for Percival as well."
"I will ..Black," Snape responded hesitantly.
"It's ok, Sir. I'm sure we will be fine," Harry assured quickly, as the mirror surface became reflective once more.
"No, Har…Potter. No, it's just…" Severus seemed a little perplexed, eyes flicking to the mirror.
"It hit me like that the first time he did it as well," Harry snickered.
"Well, it seems that you are feeling better Mr Potter," Severus checked the time. "However, even if you are excused from classes, I believe that Mr Graves still needs to make it to his next class."
"Yes Sir," Percival squeezed Harry's shoulders. "Hopefully Hogwarts will make an exit near the Charms classroom. Come on I need you to open the exit."
"Harry," Ginny sidled up to him in the common room, Harry instantly knew that something wasn't right. It was written in her body language and the tone of her voice. "I missed you at lunch, Harry." She even pouted, which was not like Ginny at all.
"Um, I had some bad news today Gin, and I needed some time alone," Harry replied uncomfortably, looking around for Percival or Ron, both of whom were unfortunately still in class.
"You know you can tell me anything," she fluttered her eyes at him, and Harry drew back in shock. Ginny didn't seem to notice.
"Ah…..oh look there are the twins," Harry breathed a sigh of relief, and waved them over urgently.
""ello Harrykins,"
"And our dearest Ginevra."
"Fred, George," Harry nodded to each.
"Go away," Ginny shooed them with her hand, and then slid the other around Harry's shoulders, causing him to flinch violently.
"Ah, Gin?" Fred frowned.
"You should unhand that young man," said George.
"You don't know,"
"Where he has been,"
"And I've hear rumours that,"
"His better half, is pretty,"
"Quick with a wand," finished Fred.
"No! Harry's all mine!," Ginny gripped him tighter. "She can leave my Harry alone." She wrapped her other arm around him, bringing her head to rest on his shoulder
"Ginny, please. You know I only see you as a sister!" Harry insisted somewhat desperately, not liking the matching set of amused looks on the twins faces. "Did you have something to do with this?" he hissed.
They raised their arms in surrender.
"Not us!" they said in unison.
"Well, help me then!"
"What will you give us in return Harry?" said Fred.
"It's the rules of reciprocity," said George.
"I am going to skin Bill, for giving you that Muggle dictionary!" Harry complained. "How's this, I won't tell Percival that you sat by and watched this happen!"
Ginny was now pressing loud, open mouthed kisses to his throat, causing Harry to cringe at the strange wet sensation. Surely it was not hygienic!
The twins looked at each other, "Nah. Not good enough."
Harry's face went red, as Ginny slid her hand across his chest and started fiddling with the buttons on his shirt. Suddenly the windows started flaring and the fireplace flared wildly.
"Ouch!" Ginny withdrew her hand suddenly. Harry bolted, up the stairs to the boy's dormitory and they heard the door slam shut.
"What happened Gin," Fred asked curiously, watching his sister cautiously as she blew on her hand.
A wicked grin spread over her face, "Harry got hot!"
Hermione giggled from behind the book she was pretending to read. Well, she had been reading it, it was just that she had stopped for a moment to see how the curse, no that was such an ugly word. It was no more than a hex. No, even less than that it was just a jinx really. It was called Puck's curse, when cast on someone it made them fall in love with the first person, they laid eyes on. No one was going to get hurt. It was just ….encouraging them to behave the way that they should. Besides it wouldn't last long, only a week or so depending on how much strength she put into casting it. Perhaps she should cast it on Lavender, or Parvati as they walked passed Crabbe and Goyle, those girls were beginning to annoy her, with their glares of jealousy in the dorm and the way they giggled about Ron, after they had done their Divination homework. Yes, that would be perfect, and it would only last a week, then they would stop talking about Ron.
She sighed happily. She knew it was meant to be, her and Ron, Ginny and Harry, all one big happy family. Yes, on the night they graduated Ron would propose to her. He would be the stay at home dad looking after the children so that she could go out and work. Perhaps in the Minister's office, which she would be offered straight out of school of course. Then later she would be the Minister of Magic. Ginny and Harry, of course, needed to marry and have children sooner. Like the Headmaster said, who knew what would happen with Harry and Voldemort? And the Potter name needed to be continued after all. If he didn't pass away in the conflict then Harry would be an Auror, just as he had always dreamed. Molly wouldn't mind them getting married so early. She had been telling Ginny for years what a lovely couple she and Harry would make. Harry and Ginny were just being stubborn, but Hermione knew what was best for them, and this little …..spell would just help things along.
With a little 'hem', Hermione opened the book again. Surely there was another useful spell in it somewhere. Really, she did have an essay or two to write, but that could wait until she finished this chapter. She was the brightest witch of her age after all, and none of the teachers would be bothered if her assignments were a just little overdue.
"Harry," Percival called pushing open the door. Ron following closely behind.
"Hey," he closed the book he was reading. "Just finished catching up, so I'm not behind."
"Did you want to go and see Hagrid before dinner?"
"Yes," Harry packed his things away hurriedly. Tucking his Cloak into his bag as an afterthought.
"I'll come next time," Ron said, dropping his bag onto the floor, and flopping onto his bed.
They found Hagrid standing beside the doors into the Entrance Hall, waiting for a crowd of Ravenclaws to pass. He was still as heavily bruised as he had been during their first lesson after he returned and there was a new cut right across the bridge of his nose.
"All righ', you two?" he said trying to muster up a smile but managing only a kind of pained grimace.
"Are you OK, Hagrid? asked Harry following the big man as he lumbered out onto the grounds.
"Fine, fine," said Hagrid with a feeble assumption of airiness, he waved a hand, narrowly missing a frightened looking Ravenclaw who had obviously stopped behind the others to ask Professor Sprout a question. "Jus' busy, yeh know, usual stuff - lessons ter prepare - couple o' salamanders got scale rot - an' I'm on probation," he mumbled.
"We heard this morning at Breakfast," Harry admitted with a wince. "Did she say why?"
"No' yet. Apparently, she'll be round. 'S' no more'n I expected to tell yeh the truth. Yeh migh' not've picked up on it, bu' that inspection didn't go too well, yeh know…anyway," he sighed deeply. "Bes' go an' rub a bit more chilli powder on them salamanders or their tails'll be hangin' off 'em next. See yeh."
He made to increase his stride, but Harry latched on to his hand in a futile attempt to pull him back. It did manage to get the large man's attention though.
"We're coming with you. I still want to ask where you have been," Harry asserted.
With a shake of his shaggy head, Hagrid gave a pained smile, "All righ' a cuppa tea firs'. Then the pair o' you can help me with the salamanders."
It took some finagling, but they managed to wheedle the story out of Hagrid. Both boys were horrified at what Harry's largest friend had been through, all on Dumbledore's orders. The hike through the wilderness, meeting and negotiating with the giants only for the one they were in talks with to be killed. Then the chase back through the wild country. Yet after it all Hagrid still professed that Dumbledore was a great man.
A thought came to Harry, with his head tipped on the side, he looked up at his friend, "Correct me if I am wrong Hagrid, but Dumbledore knew that you never killed Myrtle didn't he?"
"Aye. Great man he is, but he couldn't do anything else for me. Still he got me this job, didn' he."
"I know he was only the transfiguration teacher back then, but he became the Chief Warlock and the rest, not long after that didn't he?"
"Aye, lad he did," Hagrid agreed taking a big slurp of his tea.
"And in that position, did he or did he not have the power to arrange for investigations to be opened into past events where the outcome was in doubt?"
Hagrid's cup was placed on the table with a click, "Wha' are yeh sayn' Harry?"
"I wonder why he didn't open an investigation into both your case and Sirius's. See as chief Warlock, he would have had to go to all of the trials at the end of the last war. So, he knew that Sirius hadn't had a trail. And yet, even after knowing how close Sirius and my Dad were, he just left it there…." Harry swallowed harshly. "And then there's you. He was here. He knew that there was no way that Aragog could have killed Myrtle. Myrtle was unmarked and that's not the way that spiders kill is it? So, the evidence was right there. Plus Myrtle was and is available as a witness. When I asked her in second year, she said she turned around and saw two eyes. Two, Hagrid, not eight, or however many eyes Acromantula have. So, even though it wouldn't have convicted anyone else it would have cleared you, then you could have had a new wand and continued with your lessons, instead of hiding the …"
"N….o, Harry," Hagrid stood up abruptly turning away from the teen. "No, I am sure that Dumbledore, did what he thought was best."
"Yes, but was it the best thing for you Hagrid?" Harry asked softly.
There was a sharp knock at the door.
"Mr Hagrid," an obnoxiously sharp voice called. "I am here to give you the results of your review." The last was said in that same insultingly loud, slow voice that the woman had used in class.
"We'll duck out the back. No point in you getting into more trouble," Percival said. Harry nodded withdrawing his cloak. They were quickly covered and out the back door.
"He won't listen to me, will he?" Harry asked Percival plaintively as they approached the castle.
Sliding the Cloak off them and folding it up, Percival gave it back to Harry saying, "No. He has believed in the goodness of Dumbledore for such a long time, it will take something extraordinary to make him change his mind."
"Hagrid's just so kind. He doesn't deserve it. He could have been using a wand legally all this time. Did you know he was the first one to give me a present, and he showed me around Diagon Alley."
"Yes, so you said. What was the present by the way?" Percival raised a brow.
"Hedwig," Harry said with a smile.
"That does sound like him," Percival smiled "At least studying salamanders should be good."
"Hmmm, do you think we should try and help him with his lessons. We could give him a list of Ministry approved animals for studying."
"Do you think he would listen?"
"Don't know," Harry shrugged.
"Perhaps we can offer then. However, after what we saw the other day in class, I doubt it will make any difference to Umbridge."
"All the more reason to get his name cleared. Not that I suppose the Ministry will be willing to look into it right now, with everything that is going on. Though perhaps as they would think of it as another means to discredit Dumbledore?"
"With Umbridge being the way she is on creatures, that might not work. You could just send a message to McMillan though, and get him to look into it for later."
"Yeah, I'll do that. At least I'll have done something, even if nothing comes of it for a while."
"You know you are quite amazing Harry."
" 'M not," Harry ducked his head shyly.
"You are. You have this enormous capacity to care about everyone. If I did not know about your affinity for Runes I would suggest that you look into healing as a career."
"Really, you think I would be good enough. I imagine that it's hard to get into."
"If you're interested you could talk to Madame Pomfrey about it. Just…do not do it, just because I suggested that you would be good at it. Only do it if you really want to."
"I've never really thought about what I wanted to do before," Harry mused.
"Most fifteen-year olds haven't."
"Are you going to….do you still want to be an Auror?"
Tipping his head up to look at the clouds passing over head, Percival thought for a moment. What did he want to do? Death and Magic had sent him back to look after Harry and help to renew Magic. What did that mean exactly? How could he achieve that? Sure, in the short term it was encouraging Harry and his friends to focus on magic, and rituals and to help Harry defeat Tom Riddle but beyond that?
"I don't actually know," Percival admitted. "Maybe I could be a politician." The corners of his mouth turned down at the thought.
"Don't sound so happy about it," Harry gently pushed against his arm. "Maybe we will think of something else? And we will leave the world changing to others."
"Yeah, maybe."
The Great Hall was warm, bright and above all loud. They arrived with the last of the students and made their way to the Gryffindor table. The only seats available were next to Ginny and Ron, who were sitting on opposite sides of the table. Harry froze for a moment.
"What is that matter?" Percival hissed under his breath.
"Ginny was acting weird in the common room earlier."
"So, sit next to Ron then," Percival shrugged.
Neither noticed the eyes following them from further up the table.
"Hey Ron, can I borrow the notes from…"
"It's alright Harry. I have copies of our class notes for you," Hermione said loudly with a grin.
"Thanks Hermione, but I like Ron's notes better. They're a bit easier to understand." Magic help him, but he did not want to be indebted to her for any reason.
"Of course, they are, but they don't have all the extra information that's in mine. Come find me in the common room, later and I'll let you borrow them," she flicked a strand of her hair back over her shoulder.
"No thank you Hermione. I'll be just fine," Harry stated more firmly, turning to greet the others at the table, ignoring the muttered 'I was just trying to help' that drifted over the table.
It wasn't long before the platters appeared before them and everyone started filling their plates.
"So, where did you get to this afternoon?" Ron asked. "Instead of classes I mean."
"Dumbledore gave me some bad news, and I needed some time to process it," Harry said.
Ginny reached across the table and took Harry's hand, ignoring the fact that he was still holding his fork, "It was terrible Ron." She gripped tighter as Harry tried to pull his hand away, looking in some concern at Percival.
"I think you can let go of him now, Gin," Ron said. "Harry looks all better now. And I don't think he wants to discuss it at the dinner table, or have his fingers broken."
Reluctantly she released Harry's hand.
"I might need your help after dinner Harry," Ron shoved a fork full of Shepard's pie into his mouth.
"Why?" Harry waited for Ron to swallow.
"Well you know Iris Midgen and Veronica Burbage?"
"Yeah, the second years?"
"Yeah," Ron leaned over the table, and said in a quiet voice. "They had detention with Umbridge this afternoon. They turned up in the common room just before dinner. She did something to them. I don't know what exactly but they are both bleeding from their hands. I wanted to take them to Professor McGonagall to make a complaint and then to the hospital wing but they both insisted that they were really hungry and wanted dinner first."
"And why can't you take them?" Percival asked curiously.
"It seems," Ron's eyes flicked to Ginny, who had unbuttoned the top button of her shirt and had her arms crossed on the table, pushing up her bosom as leaned across the table. "That I might need to have a discussion with the twins about something."
"The twins denied involvement earlier," Harry said. "Perhaps a trip to the hospital wing as well?"
"You sure it wasn't…?"
"They didn't seem to be lying."
"Right well, I guess I need to figure that out as well then," Ron nodded. "So are you right to take Iris and Veronica?"
"Shouldn't it be another Prefect?"
Well, they don't know the ones from sixth and seventh year and they trust you more than….." Ron shrugged.
"It's no problem," Harry nodded.
"I could help you," Ginny offered.
"Ah no thanks Gin, I'm sure Perce will be happy to come won't you."
"Sure, I'm all up to date on my assignments," Percival agreed amicably.
A frustrated girl just two seats up, fumed as she sat there. Harry just could not see what was right in front of him, the obstinate boy. And why hadn't those wretched girls come to her for help? After all she had done for them!
"I've had enough, so I'll go and get the girls," Harry said, pushing back from the table.
He drifted over to where Iris and Veronica were sitting with the other second years and crouched down next to them.
"I hear, you girls had a rough afternoon," he said softly. They nodded. "Will you tell me what happened?"
"She made us write lines," Iris said quietly.
"That doesn't sound too bad," Harry frowned.
"There was no ink," Veronica said, "It used our blood."
"It what?!" Harry gasped, and looked at Percival aghast.
"Let me see," Percival asked. Iris lifted her hand and unwrapped the strip of shirt that she had tied around it, there on the back of her hand in raised wounds, was written 'children should be silent'. "Black Quill," he looked at Harry. "It's a dark magic item, usually used for signing contracts. Overuse will lead to scarring and in this case will bind the girls to what they have written. Did you clean the quill after you finished?" Both girls shook their head. "And she now has their blood. They are a restricted item, that only Gringotts and some Law firms are permitted to use and then only for the signing of contracts."
"Well, I see that Professor McGonagall has left the table," Harry said. "That means she should be in her office for the next hour or so marking papers. We'll go and see her and then…." He looked up and a person just leaving the table caught his eye, on a whim he said, "actually come with me quickly."
He hurried the girls away from the table and after the figure, with a confused Percival following behind. When they reached the hall he called out, "Colin!"
The figure stopped, "H…Harry?"
"Yeah, Colin do you have your camera on you?" The boy nodded. "I need you to take photos of something for me, is that alright?" Again, the boy nodded though he carefully removed his camera from his bag. "Over here," Harry led them to an alcove.
Several photos later and a shocked Colin promised that he would give Harry copies as soon as he developed them and wouldn't speak to anyone else about what he had seen. And the group was on its way to the Professor's office.
"Have either of you been in here before?" Harry asked as he raised his hand to knock on the door. Silently both the girls shook their heads. A firm 'Come in' was heard through the door, which Harry then pushed open and held it for the girls to enter the room beyond.
Professor McGonagall was seated at her desk, marking papers, from a pile that was held down by a tartan biscuit tin. She put her quill down as they entered, looking more drawn than usual.
"I had hoped that we were going to have a quiet year Mr Potter. After the news that you received today, I had thought that you would be spending the evening with your friends. Please explain the meaning of this invasion?"
"Somethings are a bit more important, Professor and this isn't about me," Harry said solemnly. "Umbridge.."
"Professor Umbridge, Mr Potter," McGonagall chided him.
"Mmm, that's the one," Harry refused to say it. "She put Iris and Veronica in detention today for…"
He looked at the girls and smiled encouragingly, "for breathing too loudly, Professor."
"And in the detention, she made them write lines, with a…"
"She is their teacher and has every right to give them a detention," said McGonagall flatly.
"She made them write with a …."
"There is very little I can do," McGonagall said cutting him off.
"Black Quill!" Harry all but shouted over her.
"What?!"
"She made them write lines with a Black Quill," he said again.
"Show me," she insisted.
The girls unwrapped their hands again. Looking, every one of her years, the Professor shook her head and said in a rough voice, "There is very little I can do, things being as they are with the Ministry. She is in charge of all detentions. Remember her speech at the start of term Potter?"
"The Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts," Harry nodded.
"Good at least you listen to Miss Granger."
"Actually, it was Percival," Harry corrected. "What can we do?"
"She is trying to provoke you Potter. Keep your head down and control of your temper."
"I meant for Iris and Veronica. I hate that they have been hurt because of me. I have to do something to help them!"
"Take them to the Infirmary, Madame Pomfrey will give them something to help with the wound and treat the pain. How many detentions has she given you?" she aimed the last question at the second years.
"Just the one," Veronica said quietly, though she then admitted, "but she said that if she didn't get the results she wanted then there would be more." She shivered at the thought.
"Don't even think about it," Percival scolded in a whisper as they walked out the door.
"I can't let her keep hurting them, and you know she will until she gets me to respond!" Harry hissed. In a more gentle tone he said, "Have you been to the Infirmary before?"
Both girls shook their heads. "Well you're lucky. I can't even remember how many times I had been by the time I was in second year. Madame Pomfrey, has threatened to give me my own bed," he joked as they turned another corner.
She waited, knowing that there was only one path from McGonagall's office to the Hospital wing. Surely they would not take long with the Transfiguration Professor, so any minute now they would appear right in front of her. She was excited to see what this new spell would do. All it said was that it would bring forth the unconscious desires of the person it was cast on. Surely that would solve everything. She pushed aside the worry of how exactly it worked and what would happen to the person, or how it would reveal those unconscious thoughts. It would be worth it in the end. Harry would realise that he was not gay, and had in fact just been a confused teenage. It was a little concerning that it was called the sleeping curse, but Hermione figured it was only a curse because people often did not want to know what they desired in the depths of their soul. Facing such truths about oneself could be rather confronting. That was alright because she would be there to help Harry through it all.
There was the sound of footsteps in the corridor, that ran passed the alcove she in which she was hiding, no, strategically located, in. A quick peek showed the group approaching. She would have to be careful, there was a warning about not casting it on an immature brain, so she absolutely could not hit those two girls. Harry was fifteen, so his brain should be sufficiently developed.
Another peek, they were just there.
Breath in.
Breath out.
Raise wand.
Goose bumps burst into being across his skin, as they entered the corridor. There was an alcove to the left just before the staircase. His eyes flicked briefly to the side, a habit from the days when he needed to make sure there were no hidden assailants. It paid off as he saw the flash of a spell, judging the trajectory, he leapt forwards, knocking the girls and Harry clear. Then there was the sound of tearing and his world went black.
Harry gasped as he was shoved forwards, he tucked his limbs in to be sure he did not hit Iris or Veronica. As he rolled to his feet, he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye and turned just in time to see Percival tumble over the guard rail of the forth floor.
"No!" he screamed running to the railing. "Arresto Momentum!"
The spell shot from his wand, but collided with the moving staircase.
"No!" Harry screamed again as that same staircase struck Percival and shunted him sideways onto the third floor.
"H..Harry," a little voice piped up from behind him.
He turned to look into the terrified eyes of the two girls. Beginning to panic he wondered what he could do, he needed help! In desperation he tried a spell that he hadn't had the chance to practice as yet.
"Custos Expecto Loquentes," Prongs appeared in front of him. "Go to Professor Snape and tell him that Percival Graves is badly hurt on the third floor, please come quickly!." Then he was racing down the stairs as the staircase slotted into position. Halfway down he paused and turned back. "Wait here, I'll be back shortly."
The girls nodded, clinging together.
"Right," he turned and sprinted the rest of the way, sliding to his knees next to Percival, who was splayed out on the floor, legs bent at a peculiar angle. "Perce!"
There was no response.
"Perce, please!" Harry reached out a hand, it was as he touched his boyfriends shoulder that he noticed it. There was a slowly spreading pool of blood, forming underneath his head.
"What happened?" the deep voice of the resident Potion Master asked.
"I…I don't know?" Harry stuttered. "Two of our second years had been hurt in detention with Umbridge. Ron was busy with Ginny, so I volunteered to take them to see McGonagall and then to the Infirmary. We had left McGonagall's office and were just about at the Hospital Wing, when I was pushed from behind, the girls were knocked forwards and then I saw Percival falling over the railing. I…I tried to slow his fall, but the stairs moved. They hit him, he landed here."
"And the second years?"
Harry's eyes, raised to the floor above, "I didn't know if I should move him. His neck…."
"Hmm, Mobilicorpus," Snape rose to his feet smoothly.
"Sir, he is bleeding!" Harry worried.
"Do not worry, head wounds bleed profusely Harry. Madame Pomfrey will look after him. Come now."
"Yes Sir," Harry stood and followed his Professor, walking along side the floating Percival.
Iris and Veronica were waiting at the top of the stairs. Harry's stomach dropped as he registered the tears falling down their faces. He gave them both a quick hug before they hurried the rest of the way to the Infirmary.
"Poppy!" Snape called as he pushed open the door.
"Severus?" Madame Pomfrey stuck her head out of her office.
"I have some patients for you," he said and without fuss began explaining what had happened.
Harry stood still at the threshold, holding hands with the girls. His eyes did not take in the two rows of beds, covered in crisp white sheets, he could only see the black haired boy that was floating three feet in the air as he was manoeuvred and placed on a bed. A single drop f blood fell staining the pillowcase.
Blood!
His heart pounded, feeling like it was about to burst through his chest. Anyone could lay their hands on Percival's blood.
"Professor," his voice cracked.
"Potter?" Snape frowned at the interruption.
"Percival was bleeding, Sir. Do you need me or can I go and clean it…."
Understanding blossomed over the faces of the adults, "It's alright Potter. I cast a spell to clean it all up after I picked him up. There will be no blood left behind."
That reassurance allowed his racing heart to settle a little.
"While you are here. Tell me what has happened to Iris and Veronica?" Pomfrey asked.
He relayed the situation, noting the concerned glances exchanged between the Matron and the Potions Master.
"You may be best to deal with that Severus. I am sure that young Mr Graves will need all of my attention for the next while."
"Perhaps you should come with me….Potter. Merlin knows I do not have the best rapport with Gryffindors."
"With some Gryffindors," Harry corrected. He followed Snape, well aware that the man was trying to keep him busy as well, so that he did not focus too much on what was happening with Percival.
"I do not understand," the Matron muttered.
"What is it, Madame Pomfrey?" Harry asked.
She pursed her lips, "The broken legs, dislocated shoulder and humeral fracture were easy fixed. The concussion…." her frown deepened. "I do not understand. It is just not responding as it should. It is as if he has been enchanted, rather than concussed."
"His head was definitely hit by the staircase," Harry said softly.
"Yes, my spells showed the swelling, and some bruising in his brain. There is a potion that is given which resolves the swelling. Usually the patient regains consciousness briefly and then I put them into a healing sleep so that the bruising may be reabsorbed by the body, combined with a nerve regeneration potion it resolves the situation relatively quickly. You might remember from your third year. You were out for three days. Percival however has not regained consciousness, which is what I am waiting for. Was he hit with a spell?"
"Not that I know…."
"I saw a flash of light," Iris said from her bed. She had her hand soaking in a bowl of ointment that Snape had made.
"What colour was it?" Madame Pomfrey asked.
"I think it was white," the girl offered. "Did you see?" she asked her friend.
"No, sorry."
"Well that was still very helpful. Another ten minutes should be enough I would think," Madame Pomfrey said, glancing at the Veronica's wounds. "Any idea what the spell could be?"
Snape shook his head, "I will do some research, in the meantime I believe I have papers to mark."
"If you think of anything let me know."
With a nod he stalked out of the room. Harry dragged a chair to Percival's bedside.
"He will get better won't he?" he asked the Healer.
"I'll have a better idea, when we find out what the spell was Harry. Though I can say that for now ,other than whatever the effects of the spell are, he will be fine. How about you take those girls back to the common room, then you can come back here and sit with your friend until curfew."
"Alright."
Harry helped the girls clean off the ointment, exposing fresh scarless but slightly reddened skin.
"That looks much better," he noted.
"Feels better too," Veronica agreed.
Back in the common room, Veronica and Iris were only too happy to tell their friends all about their adventure and how strangely nice the Potion Master had been, as he had created a potion just for them. There were disbelieving noises made from the group, and Harry was called in as a witness. Yes, Professor Snape was very clever to be able to make up potions on the spot that worked so well, and yes sometimes he was not that bad, even though he seemed like a dragon in class. Perhaps that was because Gryffindors were a bit noisy, and the dungeons echoed, or perhaps it was because potions could really hurt you if they went wrong, and he was a bit worried about that. However if they studied hard, then he would have no reason to pick on them in class, which was what the tutoring was for, and everyone should make sure they had read and understood the additional reading material that was on the book list in first year. Oh it was not there? Well, Harry just happened to have one which he could copy for them all, which was awfully convenient. Twelve Gemini curses later and Harry was free to move back to his own group.
"What happened?" Ron asked as Harry moved across and collapsed in the air chair across from him.
"I'll head back to spend the rest of the time till curfew there in a minute," Harry finished the retelling. "Before I go I wanted to know what had happened with Ginny?"
"Pomfrey gave her a cleansing potion," Harry winced. "Yeah, not pleasant she is in one of the private rooms in the Infirmary. But Pomfrey wasn't sure it would help. Said that some of the symptoms didn't seem like a love potion, but none of the usual spells like Confundus, showed up on her tests."
"Still not like Ginny is it. I thought we had gotten passed all that."
Ron nodded, "Go on, don't worry about her just now. Go and check on Percival. Take your Cloak in case you are late coming back."
"Will do."
"Hurry up and get well Percival," Harry whispered, not turning as the door creaked. Madame Pomfrey had stepped out earlier to pick up some fresh potions that Snape had made for her, so he expected it was just her returning.
"Well, well, well Mr Potter, what are you doing and out after curfew?" a sinister voice said dripping with delight.
Harry quickly checked the time, "There is still another half an hour until curfew, Madame Umbridge," he said diffidently, not turning to look at her, "and it only takes ten minutes to reach the tower from here."
"Hem," she made that strange throat clearing noise.
"Madame Pomfrey shouldn't be long if you need something for your throat. She's just popped out to pick up some potions from Professor Snape."
"I am surprised that there is only one person in the Infirmary this evening," she said with a hint of malicious delight. "I was sure that there would be at least, one or….two others."
"Despite the moving staircase, injuries are not that common at Hogwarts, Madame Umbridge," Harry tried to find that feeling of freedom and not focus on the feeling of wanting to strangle the woman.
"Hem. Oh no, this wouldn't be from anything as mundane as falling through the trick step Mr Potter. This would be from naughty, little children with dirty blood who need to be punished."
"First of all," he finally turned to glare at her, "you do realise that they are both half bloods and secondly it says in the Hogwarts Charter that a teacher cannot discriminate against any student because of their blood. All teachers are bound to it in their contracts."
"Ah, but I'm not a teacher am I," she smiled displaying her shark like teeth. Looking at them up close Harry wondered if they were real or if they were some kind of denture. Wait! Did Wizards even have dentures? Or did they just re-grow them with skele-gro? Was that even how skele-gro worked? "I am an employee of the ministry, so I have never signed a contract with Hogwarts at all. And for that infraction Mr Potter, you have just earned yourself a week of detention with me, and a lifetime ban on playing Quidditch." Humming happily to herself she pranced off, nodding to Madame Pomfrey who had just walked in the door.
'Right' thought Harry, 'This means war.'
Not even sure where this scene should go.
- cut -
She adjusted the hat upon her head and straightened her skirt as she approached the office.
"Excuse me Ma'am, did you have an appointment?" a young woman seated at a desk to the side of the door asked.
"I do not! But Cornelius will see me," she said firmly.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, but without an appointment, I can't let you in. The Minister is very busy," She flicked open a large diary that lay on her desk. "His next available appointment is three weeks from Tuesday, shall I book you in?"
"No, you will not need to for I will see him today," Augusta said firmly.
"I'm sorry Ma'am, but…"
"Cornelius!" August reached out with the bird shaped top of her cane and rapped it against the closed door. "Cornelius! You open this door at once, or it will only be worse for you!"
"Really Ma'am, I'm going to have to call the security wizard, if you continue…."
"Never mind, Elise," the Ministers voice issued from his now open door. "I am sure I can find time for Madame Longbottom."
"If you're sure Sir," his secretary sat down again.
"Come in Augusta. How can I help you today?"
"Leave of with the sycophantic behaviour Cornelius, I have known you since you were in nappies."
It was somewhat satisfying to see the man swallow uncomfortable, Augusta had never known what her sister saw in the man.
"I am here about that nasty piece of work that you had placed at Hogwarts."
"I am well within my rights to appoint a teacher when the Headmaster and the board can not find one, Augusta," the man stated indignantly, finding his backbone.
"Madame Longbottom, or Dowager Lady Longbottom, thank you very much Cornelius. Be that as it may, you are still required to find an appropriately qualified one."
"Delores is qualified!" he protested.
"As what, a certified bootlicker?! She did not even take Defence at NEWT level, Cornelius, how is she in anyway qualified to teach it?"
"It can't be that hard. She has a Ministry approved book, she tells me the children practically teach themselves."
"She's a qualified teacher then is she?" Augusta, raised an elegant brow. "Clearly she has time to teach, what with all her other duties."
"She is managing quite well actually, there hasn't been a single incident since she arrived," he defended his Senior secretary.
"Really not a single incident?"
If Fudge had bothered to look, he would have noted the expression on the woman's face and been extremely concerned.
"None at all."
"Hmm, well Cornelius, next time she lays her hands upon the Heir to an Ancient and Noble House be aware that she, and you, will be called to accounts before the Wizengamot."
"Lays hands on," Cornelius blustered. "She would never!"
Augusta placed her cane across his desk as she leaned over it, "She laid hands on my Grandson, Cornelius. It was not in detention, but in another teachers class that she was reviewing. She mis-quoted students and acted in a deplorable fashion and she has been seen in solitary conversation with several of the other Heirs all of whom are underage. It is NOT appropriate for an employee of this Ministry. I suggest you bring her in to line quickly. It will only reflect poorly on you if you do not."
"I…I'll speak to her," Cornelius stuttered thoroughly cowed.
"Good," Augusta straightened her hat again, and paused with her hand on the door handle. "Oh and Cornelius. I would think on the last Wizengamot meeting. Things are changing. It might be wise not to be led astray by unsavoury individuals. My sister would never forgive you."
With a nod to his secretary, she made her way out of the Ministry.
- cut -